Independent distributors are your ‘local link’ to the factory.
Guest Writer article – published on Rail Business Daily – 19 May 2025
A former Manufacturing Manager, Warren Venn has been working in the power industry for over 30 years. Today, he is Business Development Manager at Luso Electronics (Luso), which specialises in power solutions for rail. In this Guest Writer article, Warren discusses Luso’s approach – and outlines the benefits of working with a small, agile distributor.
Without a dependable power supply, the rail network would grind to a halt – trains, signalling systems and even coffee machines rely on it. But in a complex, safety-critical industry, sourcing the right product for your application can prove challenging.
That’s where independent distributors like Luso Electronics come in. Established in 1967, Luso supplies and supports a range of rail-approved products – including power solutions from Delta Electronics and P-Duke, Enedo Power modular power supplies and battery chargers, and critical power products from AEG Power Solutions.
But at Luso, it’s our agility that really sets us apart. We act as your ‘local link’ with large power solution manufacturers, helping you to source the right products quickly and easily.
And we believe it really pays to work with a small, independent distributor.
Support from experts in rail-approved power solutions
When you choose an independent distributor, you often benefit from the kind of focused support a larger supply partner might be unable to provide. At Luso, we find that customers usually need a tailored solution rather than something standard and off-the-shelf. It might be a simple tweak – adding a different connector to improve signal integrity or changing the length of cables, for example.
Our product specialists work closely with engineers, helping them to connect with manufacturers, specify solutions and navigate the design cycle. And, because Luso is a small, independent distributor, they can act quickly, making agile decisions about everything from pricing to terms. Which means quicker, more efficient service for customers.
A link to major power solution manufacturers
For these customers, liaising directly with major manufacturers can prove both tricky and time consuming. They might struggle to reach the right person or find themselves waiting longer than expected for answers to time-sensitive questions.
An independent distributor like Luso often has longstanding relationships with large manufacturers. Our team can reach the right people quickly, discussing customer requirements at senior management level and overseeing projects. As a result, the companies we represent get timely answers and buy-in from manufacturers. And if they don’t know who to approach, we can help.
Our relationships with these manufactures have taken years to build – but they mean we can provide more effective support for customers.
Power solutions, tailored for rail
And in rail, requirements vary. We recently supplied a 12kW Battery Charger for rolling stock, ensuring it was fanless to meet the customer’s specification. But the solutions we provide are suitable for a wide range of onboard applications – they power everything from propulsion and braking systems to coffee machines.
Trackside and in stations, our products are supporting passenger information systems, CCTV, and passenger counting and door entry systems. We help customers to source targeted products for these applications – mini UPS (uninterrupted power supply) units that ensure systems are still accessible during an outage, for example.
My own background is in manufacturing, and we’ve even designed a power system for level crossings. It’s fully approved and installed in crossings across the network.
Ultimately, collaboration is key, whether you’re sourcing an off-the-shelf power solution or tailoring a product to suit your requirements. And Luso is on hand to help customers and manufacturers work together as a chain. Which keeps projects – and trains – running smoothly.
